Minutes; Park Board: April 2008

City of Evansville
Park and Recreation Board Regular Monthly Meeting
Evansville City Hall Council Chamber
Monday, April 14, 2008 6:00 p.m.

Minutes

Call to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Juergens. Members present: Fred Juergens, Jerry Krueger, Jeff Farnsworth, Sue Merritt, Rich Modaff, Ron Carlsen (6:05), Staff: Rick Hamacher & Ray Anderson. Also present: Gib Wiedenhoeft (SOLE) and Member-elect Janis Ringhand.


Motion to waive the reading of the minutes of the March 17, 2008 meeting and approve them as printed by Krueger/Modaff. Approved unanimously.

Motion to approve the agenda by consensus.

Citizen appearances: Chris Roberts, 645 Hillside Ct., regarding West Side Park. Mr. Roberts lives adjacent to the park and was concerned about the type of landscaping; he is putting in an in-ground pool and has concerns about leaves falling on his property. Ray Anderson stated that he didn’t expect tall leafy trees in that area as it is next to the parking lot. Ray stated he would request pine trees if tall trees are required there. Mr. Roberts inquired as to the type of ball field that is planned; it is a multi-use softball and baseball field. Ray informed Mr. Roberts that the playground will be installed this year as per plans, after the parking lot is in.

SOLE report: Gib Wiedenhoeft reported that the lake is red tagged in the areas that soil borings will take place. Right now there is too much water due to the spring thaw. Jim Turner has information about a boring machine the city could use to take these tests if the engineering firm can not get out to the site. It is anticipated that the engineering firm will be able to get to the site. SOLE’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23.

Chair report & Common Council items: Sue Merritt and Fred Juergens will continue on the PRB as citizen members appointed by Mayor Decker.

Discussion on Lake Leota dredging: The PRB Committee determined they will make a recommendation to the Council regarding the Lake, once the variables are known (such as cost of dredging, testing results).

Reports/updates by Park Maintenance Supervisor Ray Anderson: The parks are very wet at this point in time.
a. Leota Park has limited access due to water. Ray is getting restrooms ready to open the week of April 20.
b. Nothing
c. Nothing
d. Play ground equipment will be installed after parking lot is in.
e. Nothing

Aquatic Report by Director Rick Hamacher.
a. Aquatic staff is being hired. Testing of staff taking place at Edgerton Pool.
b. Park store concerns – reviewed report from Tammy Pomplun and discussed past operational losses and reasons for change of hours of operation.
c. Park Store will operate same hours as in the past with the least expense to the city, with the exception of being opened during swim team meets.

Old business: Allen Creek wall restoration estimate from Kendall Wethal for $25,000.00 for himself and 2 men to restore about 200’, $13,000.00 for labor and $11,000.00 materials, $1,000.00 misc... Ray and staff would assist. Footville Rock will allow us to presort rock, liability insurance is their only concern. Ray indicated areas of priority as 130’ around the spillway to the point and 90’ left of the dry bridge.

Discussion on the next phase of solar panels at pool. We need to make public aware of the cost savings the solar panels provide.

Discussion on installing grind rail at skateboard park. The equipment has been purchased and Ray needs input on where to locate the equipment. A motion to install the equipment at Ray’s discretion and available time, with advice from former skate park advisors, by Krueger/Merritt, passed 4-2.

Ringhand advised the board that Tammy Pomplun is continuing to gather information about a 4th of July Pool rededication. She was not able to attend this meeting, will attend next month.

New Business: On a Modaff/Farnsworth motion we “Commended Fred Juergens for diligence and hard work on the Park & Recreation Board”. Motion passed 5-0 (Fred abstained).

Adjourned at 7:10 p.m. on a Modaff/Farnsworth motion, unanimous.

Next meeting May 19, 2008, 6:00 p.m. City Hall.